There was a time when deodorant with aluminum was considered harmful: In 2014, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) created a health risk assessment for antiperspirants containing aluminum for the first time. Neurotoxic developmental disorders and damage to the kidneys, liver and bones cannot be ruled out if the body absorbs too much aluminum through the use of antiperspirants, it was said at the time. The ingredient has also been linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s.
In 2020, however, the BfR issued a statement and corrected the statement from that time. Among other things, it says: “According to the current state of scientific knowledge, health impairments from the regular use of antiperspirants containing ACH are unlikely. When assessing the risk of aluminum, however, it is fundamentally important to take into account the total intake via the various entry routes such as food or aluminum-containing products for the to consider food contact.”
And further: “The contribution of aluminium-containing antiperspirants to the total exposure to aluminum is significantly lower than previously assumed.” Two studies from 2016 and 2019 showed this. While it is still true that aluminum intake can be dangerous, particularly through food. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has communicated a maximum value of one milligram of aluminum per kilogram of body weight and per week. However, it is now classified as unlikely that a higher amount of it gets into the body through a deodorant or antiperspirant.
In colloquial usage, deodorant refers to both an antiperspirant with aluminum and deodorant for spraying, deodorant cream, a deodorant stick or a deodorant roller without this substance. An antiperspirant is actually a product containing aluminum that is primarily used to specifically reduce sweating. A deodorant, on the other hand, usually acts primarily against the smell that has already developed and does not necessarily contain aluminum salts. Important to know: These aluminum salts are needed to reduce sweating. Because when aluminum salts, such as aluminum chloride, meet the proteins in sweat, deposits form. These should close the sweat pores. Plus: The skin contracts as a result, so that the sweat ducts narrow. Therefore, antiperspirants always contain aluminum and often also fragrances and antibacterial ingredients that are supposed to additionally inhibit armpit odor.
Deodorant, on the other hand, can also do without aluminum, but then it does not inhibit sweating itself, but only counteracts the smell. And often, in addition to fragrances, also with the help of antibacterial ingredients that can worsen the growth conditions for bacteria from sweat. These are responsible for the unpleasant odor when sweating. Sweat itself is odorless. Only the bacteria in the armpits, which break down the components of sweat (particularly fatty acids), are responsible for the typical smell of sweat.
If you are worried about ingesting aluminium, it is advisable to avoid using products containing aluminum or at least to use creams or rollers instead of a spray so that you do not inhale the aluminium. If you have just shaved your armpits, you should also not use a product containing ACH, which can otherwise penetrate the skin better. Even if you have sensitive skin, natural products are a better choice. If you do not tend to sweat profusely, it is also not necessary to use antiperspirants. Even on cooler days, a deodorant with (natural) fragrances is usually sufficient to combat odors. In addition, organic products are more sustainable and usually better for the environment.
Since a deodorant without aluminum is usually not as effective as an antiperspirant or a deodorant with aluminum, the deodorant of choice should contain antibacterial ingredients and fragrances. If you value sustainability and harmless ingredients, it is best to use an organic deodorant. The following three deodorants do not contain aluminum and are also recommended in other respects:
In this Lavera deodorant cream, organic aloe vera and natural minerals reduce the growth of odour-causing bacteria and thus naturally prevent the development of sweat odour. According to the manufacturer, the effect should last for 48 hours. There are no microplastics, the formula is biodegradable and the lid of the packaging consists of 96 percent recycled material.
This deodorant works with 100 percent natural essential oils and all-natural baking soda. This reduces germs and bacteria and thus also the formation of odours. Ben’s deodorant
Weleda’s 24-hour deodorant roll-on protects against body odor in a natural way. Orange and davana as well as notes of vanilla provide a pleasant scent. Without aluminum salts, it does not close the pores and the regulating skin functions are retained. The effect should last for 24 hours.
Tip: You can also save on your purchase with a Flaconi voucher.
When buying deodorant without aluminum, you should make sure that there is no designation with “aluminum” on the list of ingredients. Terms such as antiperspirant or often “48-hour protection” usually indicate that there are aluminum salts in the deodorant. Anyone who values a particularly sustainable and well-tolerated deodorant should make sure that it does not contain any synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes or synthetic preservatives. Petroleum products or silicones should be avoided and natural cosmetics made from natural, especially plant-based raw materials should be used instead.
When buying, the natural cosmetics seal can help as a support. You can also make sure that the main component of the deodorant comes from controlled organic cultivation (kbA). A look at the current Ökotest can also be helpful. In 2021, out of 52 deodorants without added aluminum, more than half of the products performed well. Most of these contain alcohol to combat the odor-causing bacteria. In 2023, the majority of the 34 deodorants tested were rated “very good” in the Ökotest. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid this and use alternatives without alcohol. Interesting: Even cheap products did well in the test. Such tests can provide helpful orientation when purchasing.
To be on the safe side, you can also make your own deodorant and use it to combat unpleasant odours. To do this, you need a spray bottle and, for example, the following ingredients:
Mix all the ingredients together in the blender, pour into the spray bottle and the aluminum-free deodorant is ready. There are also other recipes online (e.g. without alcohol for sensitive skin) and with baking soda. This also works against the odor-causing bacteria in sweat and does not dry out the skin.
Sources used: BfR / EFSA / AOK / Ökotest
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